Key contact
NHS Borders Vaccination Hub 01896 809 250
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
About the programme
The pneumococcal vaccine provides some protection against a form of bacterial meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria, as well as other conditions such as severe ear infections.
The vaccine doesn't protect against all types of pneumococcal infection and doesn't protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or viruses. The pneumococcal vaccine is usually only given once.
Invasive pneumococcal disease can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis - which can make you very sick, or in some cases, even cause death. A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk of serious illness. This is why it is very important to get vaccinated if you are eligible.
Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “Although anyone can be affected by a pneumococcal infection, some people are at higher risk than others. For that reason, I would strongly encourage you to check if you are in an at-risk category.
“Because invasive pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness and even death, it is very important to get vaccinated if you are eligible to limit the effects of the disease if you do get it.”
Eligibility
The pneumococcal vaccine is available in Scotland for all people aged 65 years and over.
It may also be available if you're under 65 (including children) and fall under one of the following risk groups, or have one of the following serious medical conditions:
- Problems with the spleen, either because the spleen has been removed or doesn't work properly (asplenia)
- Chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
- Serious heart conditions
- Severe kidney disease
- Long-term liver disease
- Diabetes that requires medication
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, such as people with HIV, people receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or people who are on long-term oral steroids for conditions such as asthma
- Cochlear implants (a specific hearing device)
- Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- If your job involves exposure to metal fumes (for example, if you are a welder)
Where clinics take place
Clinics take place in community locations across the Borders. NHS Borders will make arrangements for patients who are housebound or who live in residential, care or nursing homes.
Throughout March 2023, NHS Borders is offering Pneumococcal vaccinations to people accross the region who are aged 2 and above in certain at-risk categories. Please note, you must be aged 2 or above and be in an at-risk category to be eligible for this particular set of clinics.
If you are aged 65 or over, and are not within an at-risk category, you are not eligible at this time but will have a letter sent out to you in the coming months inviting you to a clinic running during the summer.
If you believe you fall into one of the at-risk categories noted above, and have not received a letter, please contact NHS Borders vaccination booking hub on 01896 809 250.